Eclipse

Batesville will be the place to be during what's being called "the Great North American Eclipse." Every corner of Independence County will be in the path of totality, which will run from southwest to northeast. The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce acts as the centralized event information hub. Stay tuned for more information, and don't just get left in the dark on April 8, 2024.

The eclipse will begin on Monday, April 8, at 12:36 p.m. Totality will begin at 1:53 and end at 1:57 p.m., lasting 4 minutes and 2 seconds. The partial eclipse will end at 3:13 p.m. Thousands of additional visitors are expected in the area.

Book your stay Eclipse Info

Things to keep in mind:

Visitors will begin filtering into our city a few days early.
Driving around town may be difficult — consider this when planning your commute, making doctor appointments, picking up prescriptions, etc.
Stock up on groceries, gas, and cash.
Local schools will be closed on April 8.
Cell phone and internet capabilities may be interrupted.
When watching the eclipse, you will need special Eclipse Viewing glasses. They must be ISO 12312-2 certified. Sunglasses and welding visors are not adequately safe.

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Attractions

Batesville Insider's Pass

Experience Independence County like an Insider and earn rewards as you engage with locals.

Scots in the Dark

Experience the Great American Eclipse at the galaxy's favorite place, Lyon College.

Eclipse Viewing Sight at the Arkansas Sheriffs' Youth Ranch

Bring the Family to the Arkansas Sheriffs' Youth Ranch to experience the Total Solar Eclipse!

Watch the Eclipse from Southern Tire Mart

Join Southern Tire Mart for its Solar Eclipse Viewing Party. 🌒

Old Independence Regional Museum Eclipse Viewing Party

Join the eclipse fun at Old Independence Regional Museum! We will have crafts, free glasses for viewing the eclipse, plenty of space to view, and free admission from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In the Sun for the Son

Join the North Heights Church of Christ for a unique time of worship during the Great American Eclipse on April 8 at 12 p.m.

Outdoor Entertainment District

Downtown Batesville's Outdoor Entertainment District will be open this weekend!

Galactic Giggles at the Melba Theater

Stop by the oldest movie theater in Arkansas for some galactic giggles this weekend!

Lover: A Taylor Swift Tribute Band at the Melba

Get ready to experience the magic of Taylor Swift like never before at the Melba Theater!

RV and Camping Spaces Available at the Independence County Fair Grounds

The Independence County Fairgrounds is located in the northern part of Batesville, AR.

Get An Eclipse Shirt

Been there. Done That. Get the T-shirt.

Eclipse Guide

Check out our eclipse guide, and don’t just get left in the dark on April 8, 2024.

Safety Info

The most important thing you'll need to bring (or buy locally) is the correct eclipse viewing glasses. Click to learn more.

Current Weather Conditons

It’s still too early to know with much certainty what the weather will be like that day — but there's a 100% chance of a good time.

Traffic Information

According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, 700k extra vehicles will be in Arkansas during the eclipse. Get up-to-the-minute traffic info.

Eclipse 2024: Information and Safety Meeting

Join the Independence County Library and Dr. Doug Matthews for a Eclipse Information and Safety meeting on Thursday, April 4 at 6 p.m.

Downtown Entertainment

The Batesville Downtown Foundation will host a concert series at Maxfield Park.

Guest Lecture with physicist William S. Higgins

Join physicist and NASA solar ambassador William S. Higgins for an enlightening talk on Sunday, April 7, at 4 p.m. in the Bevens Music Room.

Don't Get Left in the Dark

A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, 2024, bringing thousands of visitors with it. The Batesville area is located within a narrow path of totality. What is totality? The sky suddenly darkens when the moon completely hides the sun, and the magnificent solar corona bursts into view. It will begin at 1:53 pm and last 4 minutes and 2.2 seconds, but it is preceded and followed by partial phases that last more than an hour as the moon slowly covers, then uncovers the sun.

If you have questions or would like more information about how to plan for the coming eclipse, please contact the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Info for Businesses